Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Josiah smirked coldly .
So its about money .
Its only been a month .
Why the hurry ? Dont worry , youll get what you need- just wait .
Do you think we cant spare you a dime ? After a moment , he added , From now on , dont call me unless its really important .
If something comes up , Ill reach our .
With that , he hung up .
He despises me that much .
Sienna stared at her phone , stunned Her face drained of color as she realized how pathetic she must have seemed , begging him for money .
She raised a hand and rested it on her still flat belly , letting out a cold , bitter laugh .
After a while , she closed her eyes , tears streaming down her cheeks .
Eight months later , in Fliratys slums , Sienna lay asleep in bed , her belly now round and swollen .
Her due date was just days but the doctor had warned her that her baby was breech and suggested she get to the hospital early .
away .
Sienna had only forced a smile , saying nothing she had no money .
Eight months ago , after that heartless call with Josiah , she still hadnt seen a dime for living expenses .
She had burned through her savings and could no longer afford her apartment , so she moved to the slums .
She never asked him for money again she couldnt bear to be called a parasite one more time .
After settling down , Sienna had found a part time job , trying to balance work and school .
Even though she wasnt making much , she managed to scrape by and feed herself .
Suddenly , a loud noise yanked her out of her sleep .
Whoa , what the heck- Fire ! Run for your lives ! Sienna bolted out of bed and flung open the door to a scene of pare chaos thick smoke swirled and flames shot into the sky .
Right away , fear clutched at her chest .
Sienna ! her neighbor , also an exchange student , yelled urgently What are you doing ? Its on fire .
Hurry up and get out .
Okay , Sienna replied , panic rising as she rushed to grab her backpack .
But just as she turned , her neighbor grabbed her arm .
Are you crazy ? Where are you going ? Just get out .
I cant ! Sienna screamed , her voice cracking with desperation .
All her money was still inside every penny she had saved for her unborn child , hospital bills , and everything.
I have to go back , she said , determination in her eyes .
But as soon as she took a step , a beam came crashing down right in front of her .
Sienna reacted just in time , stepping back .
She was okay , but the way into her place was now completely blocked .
Sienna , run ! her neighbor shouted .
No ! Sienna shook her head fiercely .
She yanked her arm free from her neighbor and sprinted back inside , blocking out the chaos around her , Chapter 4 A gust of wind drove a blaze joward her .
She spun out of the way , but the flames still managed to graze her lower back , causing her to wince and cry out in pain .
Sienna ! The neighbor pulled her back hard .
You good ! Im fine , Sienna said , shaking her head , but the dense smoke hi her coughing even more fiercely .
We gotta move .
No going back in there , the neighbor urged , gripping Siennas arm firmly .
But … Sienna hesitated .
This smoke isnt just bad for you its dangerous for your little one too .
If you dont listen up , you could lose it all .
Go , now ! the neighbor insisted , practically dragging Sienna away .
Eventually , Sienna escaped the fire zone .
Her back was burned , and she hadnt managed to grab any cash .
With a heavy heart , she watched as her worn out house got swallowed by the fames , turning into ashes .
What should I do after this ? she thought , feeling overwhelmed .
Suddenly , a sharp pain pierced her stomach , causing her to wince and double over .
A crowd quickly formed around her , their voices a mix of concern and urgency .
Whats wrong ? Shes going into labor ! Someone call 911.
We need to get her to the hospital , stat ! Ah ! Push ! Sienna lay on the delivery bed , going through over ten hours of intense labor .
Finally , she delivered her baby .
When the nurse gently laid the baby in Siennas arms , tears of joy rolled down her cheeks this was her baby , and she wouldnt be alone anymore .
With a sigh of relief , she closed her eyes and passed out .
When Sienna opened her eyes again , she found the same nurse standing by her bedside .
The nurse was there to remind her about the hospital bills .
Sienna had managed to cover a part , but it was far from enough .
Clutching her newborn close , Siennas eyes were heavy with worry , and she was silent .
She knew she needed to say something , but being flat broke left her speechless .
The soft hearted nurse sighed , guessing Siennad been abandoned by a heartless guy .
Dont you have any family or friends ? Contact them ; maybe they can help , she said and then left without pushing Sienna too hard .
Sienna lifted her head , eyes brimming with tears .
Family and friends ? She didnt have anyone .
But she was a mom now , and she couldnt leave the hospital bill unpaid She pulled her phone from her bag .
After eight months , she dialed Josiahs number again .
The phone rang and rang before finally connecting- Josiah she began .
But soon her stomach dropped as she heard the familiar voice on the other end .
Hello ? Is this Sienna Yvette chuckled softly .
Looking for Josiah ? Hes not available right now , but you can tell me whats 22:18 Sat , Jan 4 Chapter 4 going on .
餐 : 972 % Could she really be this nice ? Doesnt she hate me ? Sienna was keptical , but at this point , she didnt have the luxury of being choosy she was out of options .
Swallowing her pride , she nearly begged , I I was wondering if he could lend me some money ? Please , I swear Ill pay him back .
The moment I get my hands on some cash , Ill give it back , Sienna added , her voice .
wavering .
She didnt dare ask Josiah for money directly again .
I get it .
Yvette smiled .
Alright , Ill let him know .
Talk to you later Thanks … Sienna said , but the line was already cut .
She clutched her phone , her heart racing .
Josiah will lend me the money , wont he ? After all , he respects Miranda , and our divorce isnt final yet ! But two days flew by , and still no money came through .
Sienna food at the hospital entrance , bag over her shoulder and her child in her arms with no way to pay for the hospital fees , she was forced out .
She gazed up at the sky , the warm winter sun causing her to squint .
Tears brimmed in her eyes and then streamed down her cheeks .
No crying , Sienna scolded herself through clenched teeth .
You have no right to cry .
You have a child to take care of .
No tears ! But the reality was harsh .
She was flat broke , and her house in the rough part of town had gone up in flames , leaving her homeless .
Two weeks later , Sienna ran through the streets , her child cradled in her arms .
Stop that thief ! She stole something ! Someone catch her ! The footsteps behind Sienna grew louder , and it seemed she couldnt escape .
Just then , she stumbled and lunged forward .
As she fell , she instinctively twisted to protect her child .
Before she could get up , a store clerk who had been chasing her grabbed her and pinned her down .
Gotcha ! Where do you think youre going ? Whatd you steal ? Give it back ! The clerk yanked her bag away , unzipped it , and spilled the contents onto the sidewalk .
The onlookers leaned in , murmuring amongst themselves .
Baby formula ? Diapers ? Why would she take these ? Look , shes holding a baby .
Mortified , Sienna squeezed her eyes shut , wishing the ground would swallow her up her pride was completely shattered .
But with her child clutched tightly to her chest , she knew she couldnt afford to quit SEND GIFT 0